Maker of Fire

(Continued from installment 2.72 - Emily, Aybhas, Planting Season, 5th rot., 9th day)

"In w...what other cities have the spoot slaves planned b...bombing attacks?" I asked the three bomb-throwers.

"Kas, Kesmat, Yuxvos, Blockit, Rigdit, Weirgos, and Gunndit," the woman replied.

"When?"

"As soon as the hunger disease spreads to more than half the spoot slaves, to get the rest of us to riot easier."

"How did you share your plans with spoot slaves in other cities?"

"Riverboat slaves helped us and carried the vine shooters between different locations."

"W...why?"

"Because we were lied to. Because if freedom really happened, we know the Shrine of Vassu would just kick us out and leave us to starve without shelter or help to live. If we must die in misery or stay slaves after being lied to, then we vowed we would die to do as much harm to our cruel overlords as possible."

"Y...you pitiful f...fools," I managed to say, cursing the stutter. "Right now, the High Priestess M...Moxsef is across the river speaking to the other sp...spoot slave on her shrine's plans to feed you and clothe you and house you until y...you can be trained to farm, and then you w...will be settled in valleys on the other side of the Great Cracks, w...where you w..will live on your own holdings, and raise your own families." I sighed with grief.

"Emily, you cannot show mercy to these three," Lisaykos pleaded.

"Lisaykos, can you reach Fassex and—"

"She is already listening through me," Lisaykos said. "My daughter is listening too. She will help Fassex spread the word and mobilize the garrisons. You," she pointed at the woman captive. "Repeat the list of cities where spoot slaves are prepared to riot."

"Kas, Kesmat, Yuxvos, Blockit, Rigdit, Weirgos, and Gunndit."

Lisaykos closed her eyes and then composed herself, "Fassex and Katsa will alert the lord holders, garrisons, and the Shrine of Erhonsay. And now I will take you to the chapel shrine."

"No, you will not," I disagreed. "I must deal with these three."

"Emily, no, you are too lenient," Lisaykos tried to argue. "They were among those who have caused death and suffering and have ruined my city. We must make an example of them."

"I w...will, right now, in my own w...way. Let me up. Can one of the guards please draw a circle about twenty hands in diameter?"

Lisaykos helped me to stand, disapproval written in her scowl. I watched a guard draw a circle in the dirt.

"Now mark the center, please." The guard did so. "Take this one," I pointed at one of the two men, "and have him lay down with his head at the center mark and his feet pointing north. Take that one," I pointed at the other man, "and lay him with his head at the center and his feet pointing southeast, and do the same with her, but with her feet pointing southwest."

I swayed, feeling suddenly lightheaded because of the terrible thing I was about to do. Lisaykos reached out and caught me, placing me back on her lap and holding me.

"Emily, what are you doing? You must stop and rest," she insisted.

"Hold me if you must, but I will continue. This is my w...will."

All the Cosm except Lisaykos fell to their knees and bowed their heads. All the watching Coyn were unnerved by their behavior.

"Lieutenant, get up," I commanded. She complied.

I continued. "Using your mind's hand, take the remaining clay bomb out of its box and place it between the heads of these three m...murderers."

"No," the three started screaming, "no, don't—"

"You are not permitted to speak," I commanded, knowing they were still under the charm of compulsion. "You will lie there, and you will not move. I w...will, however, permit y...you to scream."

An eerie and complete silence fell on the gathered observers as we watched the clay bomb rise out of the box and settle between the heads of the three Coyn. When it was in place, I spoke again. My normal soft voice carried well in the quiet, which was good since I don't think I could have spoken louder.

"I am Emily, who the gods have burdened with being their prophet. These three Coyn are guilty of trying to kill me and the Blessed Lisaykos, Revelator of Mugash. For this crime, they must die. As the sacred person with the highest precedence, it is my duty to determine how they will be punished.

"Hear now my punishment and be its witness. These three and their co-conspirators have used bombs that explode and burn in the presence of water, which can not be extinguished by normal means, and which release poisonous gas. By using these bombs, they have caused death and injury to countless Cosm, Coyn, and flying mounts. With these bombs, they attacked a shrine and ruined the greatest city in Foskos.

"My punishment is that one of these bombs shall be the means of their death. For safety, everyone witnessing this punishment will now move twenty hands upwind from the circle where I have had the condemned placed. Lisaykos, I think you must carry me."

"Of course, dear heart."

When we all had moved away, I spoke to the Lieutenant again. "Please, can you now smash the bomb?"

"Your will, Great One."

As the one who passed judgment on them, I forced myself to watch their deaths, as is the custom in Foskos. I managed not to vomit all over Lisaykos as the three screamed while their heads burned with a fire that could not be put out. Seeing their eyeballs melt was the worst part for me. They were still conscious when that happened.

I felt even worse than when I had sentenced Oyseray the leather worker. I'm sure I could have walked to the chapel shrine on my own, but I was too miserable to make the attempt. I let Lisaykos carry me, and I closed my eyes on the world as soon as the Lieutenant confirmed the three were dead.

I wasn't sure if I fell asleep or passed out. Lisaykos' voice woke me, "I let you sleep for a half bell. Are you feeling better? Gerta was surprised and pleased you remembered her. She would welcome hearing some news about Tom, whom she still calls Py'oask."

I sat up, noting my stomach was no longer sour. "I wouldn't mind just sitting here while my thoughts get settled. I'm still trying to sort out coming to Foskos for a short break and a wedding, and instead, facing a friend's death, a riot, a murder attempt, and dealing out a death sentence. I just want to be alone for a while so I can fall apart in peace."

"No, I don't think that is wise," Lisaykos looked stricken. "Please don't command me to leave because no one should be left alone when they are miserable. You don't need to say anything, but I will not leave you right now when you are this distraught." And she didn't, picking me up and holding me as I allowed myself to fall apart.